Beaux-Arts Elegance
When hired to renovate the lobby of this Benjamin Marshall building in the heart of Chicago's Gold Coast, Deborah Lund Interiors welcomed the opportunity to update the space while honoring its historic significance. This Chicago lobby renovation presented a meaningful challenge: ensuring the new design could blend with the architectural beauty and storied history of the building while also holding its own.
The goal was to brighten and refresh the space while maintaining its timeless, stately character — a hallmark of luxury interior design in Chicago's most distinguished pre-war buildings. The flooring was redone in large Calacatta Gold tiles with Calacatta Viola inset borders and baseboards, introducing richness and scale.
The existing yellow faux finish on the walls and trim was replaced with the perfect shade of off-white paint, creating a warm, clean backdrop.
Furnishings were reupholstered in luxurious fabrics including mohair, horsehair, and a traditional sakura tapestry, while mini shutters covering the windows were replaced with soft woven Roman shades. Panels of antique mirrors were added to complement the existing architectural details, and lighting was updated in keeping with the building's historical reference.
Additional lighting as well as selected objects added beauty and visual interest throughout the overall design scheme. Live plants were symmetrically placed in the inner foyer, enhanced by dramatic lighting, while the limestone interior walls were carefully refurbished.
Each design element works in harmony with the architecture — a defining principle of Deborah Lund Interiors' approach to historic building renovation in Chicago. The result is a lobby that is both elegant and approachable, reflecting the sophistication of its past while meeting the needs of contemporary life.
By respecting the pre-war building's original architectural intent, Deborah Lund Interiors transformed the space, achieving a balance between historic grandeur and modern clarity. This kind of Gold Coast interior design work requires both a deep reverence for architectural heritage and a confident modern sensibility.
The result is a lobby that exudes a quiet, enduring elegance, creating a welcoming entry that leaves a lasting impression on residents and visitors alike.
